LUCKNOW: Lucknow Super Giants commenced their journey in the Indian Premier League with great promise, successfully reaching the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023. However, their performance took a downturn last year, finishing in seventh place. This prompted a significant shift, with Rishabh Pant appointed as the new captain for the upcoming season after being acquired for a record-breaking ₹27 crore.

As he approaches IPL 2025, the 27-year-old has much to demonstrate. Beyond his leadership role, the wicketkeeper faces the challenge of enhancing his T20 batting performance, particularly following a disappointing Test series in Australia. Additionally, he was absent during India's victorious Champions Trophy campaign, where KL Rahul, his predecessor at LSG, excelled both as a wicketkeeper and batsman.

Nicholas Pooran is expected to be a pivotal player under Pant's captaincy. The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Trinidad had a commendable IPL season in 2024, amassing 499 runs, showcasing his power-hitting ability with 35 fours and 36 sixes. As he enters his third season with LSG, Pooran expressed, “I take great pleasure in striking the cricket ball with immense power. It excites me.”

“I have no specific expectations—my focus is on taking it one game at a time and contributing to our team's success… Our goal is to achieve victory at the end of the tournament, which requires all players to step up,” he stated to HT during an event on Tuesday.

Pant previously captained Delhi Capitals last season, but his social media post prior to the auction suggested a change was imminent. This new chapter with LSG will present its own set of challenges for the 27-year-old.

Pooran, who serves as the vice-captain of LSG, shared his thoughts on Pant: “He has been around for quite some time. Although he is young, he possesses considerable experience as both a player and a captain. He has faced similar situations before.” He added, “My role is straightforward—support him, whether his decisions are right or wrong, both on and off the field. This is the responsibility of not just me, but all team members.”

He (Pant) possesses his own set of expectations, complemented by his skills and talent. His character as a good person is also significant.

Having contributed to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph and the journey to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil, Pant would have anticipated entering this IPL season, commencing on Saturday, in a more favorable condition. In the IPL, he has amassed 3,284 runs at an impressive strike rate of 148.93, including 296 fours and 154 sixes.

Pooran articulated the strengths of LSG clearly. “What is our team’s strong point? Undoubtedly, we boast a formidable batting lineup. They are powerful, and that is evident to everyone. However, even with the best batsmen and the strongest team, it is important to remember that actions speak louder than words.”

Nevertheless, LSG's bowling resources are currently strained due to injuries affecting their fast bowlers, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Avesh Khan. “We are encountering some challenges with several of our pace bowlers sidelined… we are optimistic about their swift recovery.” Additionally, allrounder Mitch Marsh will participate solely as a batsman due to fitness concerns.

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